Mill Acres Residence

Salt Lake City, Utah

A home for a retiring couple and their teenage son. Objectives were to utilize off the shelf materials, systems, and technologies to create a sustainable oasis in the city. The south-facing slope which opens up to a flowing creek, as well as the type and size of mature vegetation, created an opportunity to utilize these microclimate features to enhance natural comfort of the home.

Features

Passive solar maximization with proper placement and control of glazing.
Design responds to this lush riparian site by providing places where vegetation can flourish both indoors and out. The structure itself provides opportunities for vegetation on trellises, planters, rooftops and balconies to ultimately anchor the building to its site.
Renewable energy use through ground source heat pump to provide heating and cooling.
Super-insulated building envelope with interior thermal mass.
Energy recovery ventilator to ensure good indoor air quality.
In floor radiant heating with exposed concrete for maximum passive solar benefit.
Advanced framing techniques to minimize wood use.
Recycled or salvaged materials including "Trestlewood" posts and beams. "Trex" decking, recycled cellulose insulation, and many salvaged materials from existing structure.
Natural cooling through shading and ventilation.
Durable, low maintenance exterior finishes.
Planted living roof system for portion of roof.
Home energy rating audit to maximize energy performance and verify completion of goals.

Project Links

Residential

Backman
Chillier
Heindorn
Jones-Mancuso
McDonald
Mill Acres
Nichols: Construction
Nichols: Finished
Walton

Commercial

Patagonia
AMD Offices
Your Planet
Chase Mill

Other Projects

Happel-Walvatne
Dean-Brown Residence
Hopkins-McCowan